Eugene E. Barfield

A devoted family man and active member of his community, passed away peacefully at Lightways Hospice Home, Friday, May 12, 2023 at the age of 95, surrounded by his loving family.

Born the youngest of 10 siblings in Tamms, Illlinois on March 8 ,1928. He served his country proudly as a Veteran of the U.S. Navy during W.W. II. Following his return to Joliet, Gene provide for his family by working at the Joliet Prison, operating a gas station and working at Electro Motive Co. before embarking on his career with Olin Chemical Co. from where he retired in 1991 after 38 years of service. Gene was a faithful and active member of Ingalls Park United Methodist Church for many years. He derived great joy from serving as the Volunteer Coordinator at DayBreak Shelter and a volunteer at Morningstar Mission, providing support and assistance to those in need. In addition to volunteering, Gene enjoyed gardening, bowling, walking along the lake front in Chicago and making his version of Cowboy Stew.

Gene is survived by his three daughters Joyce Hilsabeck, Janet (Tom) Maher and Marla (Kerry) Hughes, Sr. his beloved grandchildren Amy (Will) Hilsabeck-Livingstone, Thomas (Jordan Burghardt) Maher and Elizabeth (Marwan Sharaf Eldeen) Maher. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife Elaine Barfield (nee Malone)(2010), a son-in-law Greg Hilsabeck (1980), his parents Timothy T. and Margaret L. Barfield, eight brothers Cecil, Timothy, James, Alfred, Edward, Oliver, Chester and Robert Barfield and a sister Lottie Barfield.

Gene's family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Jill Patterson, Dr. Preeti Nagarkatte, Dr. Sunil Narula, Dr. Thomas Levin, the staff at Davita Clinic and the nurses and staff of Silver Cross Hospital 4th & 6th floors and Lightways Hospice Staff for their compassion and care of Gene.

Funeral services will be held at the Carlson-Holmqiust-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Tuesday, May 23rd at 11:30 A.M. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorials to Lightways Hospice or Daybreak Shelter will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until time of services at 11:30 A.M.